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Rule Number 6: Letting go and realizing that everything doesn't need to be so serious. For me, this is the hardest thing to think about. I immediately think of my many to do lists with school, family, kids' schedules...Then I think what if I didn't take everything
so seriously? Would everything fall apart? I'm always told how I'm the one who has it together, and the one that everyone relies on. So if I didn't take things as seriously would I still be that person? My calculating self feels like the one in control most of the time and to answer the question; What would have to change for me to be completely fulfilled? That is one that I think will need to be discovered on a quiet day when I can be by myself.
The other chapter that strikes home is
The Way Things Are. One of my favorite phrases is
Its All Good. My husband has even told me that when he hears that phrase, he gets a sense of calm even at his most stressful situations. Growing up, I always had anxiety issues. My elementary guidance counselor was a great resource for me. He taught me to look at what was in the "right now" not "what if." That is still one of my most un-liked phrases---and is barred from my classroom!
I used to be just like you with the taking everything so seriously all the time, and feeling freaked out at the thought of not stressing over things all the time. Will everything fall apart? Certainly not Stephanie, it will just take time for you to realize that things will be ok. I had to learn this lesson this year and certainly would have loved to have had this book before I made the decision to let go, it definitely would have helped with the transition. I really enjoy reading each others blogs, seems like every week I realize more and more things I have in common with you guys. Thank you for sharing =)
ReplyDeleteHi Stephanie!
ReplyDeleteI can easily see how YOU are the one who 'has it together' and everyone 'relies on.' That has shined through even in our class. Thank you for being so confident and caring. You are so funny to have 'barred' a phrase from your classroom. That was a smile. You have strong intuition and understanding that matters and that is rare. That is why other look to you for leadership. Please let me know when your 'Leadership' article gets published after graduation. I will promote you!! - Hunter
Spelling has never been my strong point...that is what my husband usually does for me, but I was unable to have him check for me! My kids love catching my spelling errors on the board, too!!
DeleteI know that you have two comments already but when you wrote that you had anxiety when you were young it really hit my heart. My daughter suffers from anxiety and she is learning the tough lessons about the "What if" question. There are a lot of great sayings in this book that I can truly testify. Letting go does not mean letting it all go, but rather, "Don't sweat the small stuff" or "Keep calm and carry on". There are things you can do something about and the rest of it is...well, "It is what it is" and you get to move on with your day and your life. You are amazingly gifted and I wish you were teaching right next door to me. I can't wait to read your article.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing your journey. I love that advise to look at the "right now" and not the "what if"... It's definitely all good.
ReplyDelete